Villa vs Wycombe
A game that Villa cant afford to lose. For all intents and purposes they are relegated. No team has stayed up with as fewer as points as they have currenlty. The FA Cup is a good distraction for the club and fans. Remi Garde played a pretty strong team for the original tie, even with six changes and I expect another strong side, especially being at home. I wouldnt be surprised to see the likes of Ayew, Gestede, Sinclair, Lescott, Richards & Veretout starting. Garde has said that this is a must win game for Villa. Villa have been playing much better at home over the last few games and have gone unbeaten in their last 3 at Villa Park. They have won 7 from their last 9 home FA Cup games. However, with only 2 clean sheets at home all season you can see why they are struggling.
Wycombe only made 2 changes in the home game with Villa. They come into the game off a back of a poor result away to Hartlepool, but do boost 7 clean sheets away from home in the last 12 games and score in 25% of these games. They have been having an OK season without being great and sit well into the top half of the division.
There will be plenty of empty seats at Villa Park and a poor atmosphere. If Wycombe can get an early goal then it might be a tricky night for the Villa. TT suggestions:
Both teams to score
Villa to score 1.5
Bristol City vs WBA WBA are still in the cup thanks to a last gasp goal on the orginal tie. Pulis made 4 changes to his side and has already spoken about his love for the FA Cup so may be tempted to stick with a strong side for the replay. However, WBA play Villa on Saturday and Pulis may decide that this game is more important than a cup run. WBA have a mixed away record with 4 clean sheets so far. However, they have failed to score on 5 occasions this season away from the Hawthorns and are currently on a run of away games without a win. Bristol City beat the best side in the Championship on Saturday, with a 1-0 win over Boro. With only 3 clean sheets at home all season and a squad that is heavily stretched due to injuries this might be a game too far for them. They only named 6 subs in the original game! They are struggling in the Championship and may decide that survival in the league is more important to the club. Team news will be important here, although City have limited options. WBA should be too strong for City in the replay, but if Bristol can replicate their performance from Saturday then it could be a great game. TT suggestions WBA win Pompey vs Ipswich Ipswich have already announced that there will be wholesale changes for this game. They played a weakened side in the original tie and were lucky to get away with a draw, only some poor keeping in the last 5 mins saving them. Ipswich did play captain Chambers and regular Skuke in the first game, but both of these players and Berra havent travelled so expect a starting 11 of kids and reserves. Whilst Ipswich have an impressive away record this will be a very different side to the team that will start against Birmingham on Saturday. Pompey had no game at the weekend and will fancy their chances especially as this sets up a game against Bournemouth in round 4. They are a good outfit and are rightly pushing for promotion. They have seen 9 clean sheets at home and with Ipswich have 5 clean sheets away from Portman this could be a low scoring game. Ipswich may have one of the best away records in the championship, but given the team news this is a game we are going to avoid. TT suggestions Pompey No Clean Sheet Pompey Double Chance
Bolton vs Eastleigh Both sides played pretty much full strength sides for the first tie and Bolton were lucky to come away with a replay. Bolton are in all kinds of problems on and off the pitch. They have sold some of their best players and arent renewing contracts. Boltons home record isnt as bad as you would think (its not great either) - They have lost three games at home this season, but only won twice! They have kept 4 clean sheets and failed to score in 5 of their home games. In comparsion Eastliegh have only lost twice away from home. They have some excellent ex league players and probably will be disppointed with their current league position. Eastleigh do loves goals - 10 of their 13 away games have seen both teams score and have kept only 1 clean sheet away, but have scored in all but 2 away games!
TT suggestions Both team to score Over 2.5 goals Bolton to win (odds are just to good to turn down)